In Collaboration with MakeMyMove

Our mission: Growing Appalachia one family, job at a time
Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) is dedicated to addressing the critical issue of population retention and growth in Eastern Kentucky. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the region, SOAR aims to create opportunities that encourage residents to stay and thrive while attracting new talent and investment. By fostering job creation, advancing educational pathways, and promoting a high quality of life, SOAR works to empower Eastern Kentuckians to build rewarding lives without leaving their roots. Additionally, SOAR is committed to promoting Eastern Kentucky as an ideal location for remote workers from outside the state, offering a welcoming community, affordable living, and a high quality of life. Through targeted initiatives in areas like healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship, SOAR’s mission is to reshape the region’s future, cultivating a vibrant community, attracting remote professionals, and building a sustainable local economy.
What are our EKY Remote people saying?
“We have started to settle in…met with the neighbor and he brought us some tomatoes and green peppers from his garden. Last night was so peaceful and we sat outside and looked at the stars, we don’t get to see them so clearly back in Michigan! We brought our fishing boat and can’t wait to get that in the water!”
– Jenifer from MI to Floyd County
“It just felt “right”. This was my new home! I cannot thank SOAR Kentucky (and Latasha, and the MakeMyMove platform) enough! I am excited to settle into my new community, and begin exploring.”
– Carlee from OH to Morgan County
“The best part about moving is how friendly the community is. This is definitely a place to raise children and that’s why we moved.”
– Kisha from SC to Johnson County
“Moving to Harlan, KY has been an incredible decision for me. The warm community spirit, natural beauty, peace and rich cultural heritage make it a special place to call home.”
– Pedro from FL to Harlan County
“I love the beauty of the mountainous region, the much less harsh winters, the closeness to family, the smaller towns, the available land, the Daniel Boone forest.”
– Dylan from PA to Bath County
There’s no better place to plug in and work, and unplug and play
Build your community, create new jobs, and boost local income. SOAR has partnered with Make My Move on a remote worker attraction initiative, assisting remote workers nationwide in relocating to Eastern Kentucky. This initiative encourages remote workers to integrate into our community, offering an ideal balance between work and leisure.
Eligible Communities Map


Relocating to Eastern Kentucky has never been easier
Eastern Kentucky residents know our region is one of the best places to live and play. It’s also a perfect place to work, and we welcome those who want to relocate here.
Learn about our region and see what it would be like to live in one of our cities through our exclusive EKY Remote website.
Shaping Our Appalachian Region has partnered with Make My Move to offer monetary and other perks to non-residents who relocate to Eastern Kentucky.
If we recruit remote workers, the future is bright for Eastern Kentucky
What will it take to reverse population loss? Thousands of individuals and families are seeking a community-oriented lifestyle that only Eastern Kentucky can offer.
If we want to increase local revenues and attract young talent to our region, we have to go find the remote workers interested in making a move—and welcome them with open arms.
SOAR created The Remote Work Playbook Part II: Strategies to Promote Remote Worker Relocation to Eastern Kentucky to do just that.
It will help you generate these results:
- Favorable conditions for local small business
- Thriving downtowns
- Larger school enrollments
- New career opportunities
- More resources for our hospitals
- High-speed, at-home broadband
Implementing a remote worker recruitment strategy is a win-win for Eastern Kentucky communities.
Download this playbook today to get started!
This resource was sponsored by Kentucky Power, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and MakeMyMove.

By the numbers: Make My Move 2023-2024
Shaping Our Appalachian Region has partnered with Make My Move to incentivize non-Eastern Kentuckians to relocate to cities and counties in our region.